Molecular Biology and Parasite Immunology (BIPAR)

The activities of the BIPAR Joint Unit are centered on the study of host-pathogen interactions, but also on the detection, characterization or circulation of pathogens, with the following objectives:

• zoonotic parasites transmitted by foods,
• vectors (ticks, musquitoes) and pathogens whose vectors are bacteria, parasites and viruses.

Research

The unit develops research on the following subjects:

• Projects associating fundamental and applied research to improve our understanding of these interactions on different levels: the molecular, cell, salivary tissue/gland or food matrix, host, ecosystems including the vertebrate and invertebrate host microbiota) and circulation of these pathogens;
• Innovative strategies against ticks, vector-transmitted pathogens (by arthropods and zoonotic parasites transmitted by foods (improved detection and surveillance, "universal" vaccine strategies or in targeted species, "ecological" alternatives to antiparasite and acaricidal treatments ....);

The UMR benefits from cutting edge equipement thanks to financing from the Ile-de-France Region, EnvA and and Anses (DIM Mainf and DIM 1Health) including a confocal microscope, flow cytometry, a Maldi-Tof mass spectrometer and a tick-breeding core facility (Tiquarium). Our laboratories are also equipped for cell culture (lines or primary cells), molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and biochemistry.

This UMR also houses a National Reference Laboratory (LNR) "Food-borne Parasites other than Echinococcus" and a WOAH collaborative center [1] on Zoonotic food-borne parasites (international mandate obtained in 2014) that shares reference research projects with the Paralim Team and ensures national and international Reference activities.

[1] World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) is the new acronyme for the ex OIE (ex-Office International des Epizootie)

Research Teams

• "Zoonotic Food-borne Parasites Team (PARALIM). This team supports the activity « Food-borne parasites » and is an ANSES unit. Leader: Dr Bruno Polack
  • "Trichines" Leader Dr Isabelle Vallée
  • "Toxoplasma" Leader Dr Radu Blaga
  • "Crypto-Giardia" Leader Dr Karim Adjou
  • "Neglected and Emerging Parasites", Leader Dr Grégory Karadjian

•     "Microbes and Ticks" (MiTick). Leader Dr Ladislav Simo
  • "Neural basis of tick physiology & Tick-host pathogen interactions" (NeuroPatick). Leader Dr Ladislav Simo and Dr Alejandro Cabezas
  • "Vectors and "Pathogens and Vectors" (VAMP). Leader: Dr Nadia Haddad
  • "Ticks and Co-infections (Ticks & Co). Leader Dr Sara Moutailler

Tutelage: INRAE-ENVA-ANSES

Affiliation : Life Sciences

Doctoral School : SVS (ED402), ABIES (ED581)